Marguerite Ruth (Palmer) Birch, age 36

Mrs. Marguerite Ruth (Palmer) Birch of 132 Orange Street, Meriden, was born November 1, 1907 in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, daughter of Vermont natives Emilie (Rublee) and Bloomfield Arland Palmer. She was found dead at the circus grounds after the fire on July 6, and was buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Meriden after services at the Flatow Funeral Home. Mrs. Birch attended the circus with her children, Arland and Shirley Ann Birch, who were also victims of the fire. Marguerite is survived by her husband Lawrence E. Birch, who works at the family business, Birch Laundry in Meriden; her mother Emilie Palmer of Vermont; and her brother Arland Palmer, 31. Body #1567 at the State Armory was identified on July 7 as Marguerite Birch by a relative. On her body was found three rings. Mrs. Birch's estate was awarded $9,500 by the arbitration board.